Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe (2024)

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The Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese,also known as the Caviar of the South,is a Southern staple and is delicious served spread on saltine crackers, celery sticks, and even pork rinds. The basic recipe for traditionalpimento cheesehas 2 kinds of cheeses, full-fat mayonnaise, seasonings, and those red little darling jarred pimento peppers. Adding the fresh jalapenos gives it an extra special spicy kick! Bring recipe cards because everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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Why You’ll Love Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread

This crowd pleasing, classic southern recipe with jalapenos is so easy to mix together and will keep for a long time. It’s perfect for school or work lunches and a party appetizer because its best when served at room temperature.

Adding chopped up fresh jalapenos to this easy Homemade Pimento Cheese recipe adds a little kick that instigates big smiles from your people. It’s an easy appetizer and one of my favorite things to serve or contribute to a backyard cookout or family get together.

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What You’ll Need:

Ingredients

  • Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Full-fat Mayo
  • Pimento peppers or roasted red bell peppers
  • Fresh Jalapeno peppers
  • Onion
  • Cilantro (optional)
  • garlic powder
  • Chili Powder
  • Mexican Tex-Mex Spice Blend Seasoning
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Salt and Pepper

How to Make Jalapeno Pimento Cheese

Pimento Cheese Steps

Step 1: Start off by grating the block cheeses; I prefer using a box grater…the pre-shredded cheese that comes in a package is less moist and flavorful because of the added gluten-based fillers.

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Step 2: Chop the onion, fresh jalapenos, and drained roasted red peppers. Note: If using jarred pimentos, drain them first.

Step 3: Mix the mayo, Worcestershire Sauce, homemade Mexican spice seasoning, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl.

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Step 4: Add the chopped veggies to the large mixing bowl and stir until all the veggies are coated with the mayo sauce.

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Step 5: Finally, add the grated cheeses to the large bowl and gently mix. Make sure not to over-mix.

Refrigerate for at least a couple of hours for the flavors to meld together…this is key.

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Recipe Options

Add a few extra ingredients to make it really interesting. Include green or black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, green chilis, or roasted jalapenos.

Use a little chili sauce or hot sauce to the mayo dressing for an extra spicy kick.

Add more full-fat mayo for creamy pimento cheese.

Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to make it a tangy, savory spread.

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Top Tips

Use a large mixing bowl so you’ll have plenty of room to mix.

Also, use a rubber spatula instead of a metal or wooden spoon. The rubber ensures you’ll get every piece of grated cheese and mayo dressing incorporated.

Grate the block cheese when it’s cold for easier grating.

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How to Serve Pimento Cheese

Some of my favorite ways to serve this delicious pimento cheese recipe.

  • Traditional pimento cheese sandwiches on good old white bread.
  • Smeared on saltine crackers, Ritz crackers, or any kind of cracker.
  • As a sandwich with fried bologna…OMG!
  • Use it as the cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Use it in a turkey, ham, or roast beef sandwich.
  • Spread it on the top of a burger for a pimento cheeseburger.
  • Use it as a condiment with this Drip Beef Sandwich.
  • Mix it in grits or mashed potatoes.
  • Use it as a baked potato topper.
  • On toasted bread with homegrown tomatoes.
  • Use it as a filling for grilled pimento cheese jalapeno poppers.
  • Heat it up in the microwave and serve as a jalapeno pimento cheese dipwith tortilla chips or fritos…trust me on this!
  • Or eat it as finger food, Lol!
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Occasions to Make Pimento Cheese

Jalapeno Pimento Cheese is a classic southern staple that’s good anytime and is perfect for a large potluck soiree!

  • backyard barbeque
  • funerals
  • church gathering
  • school functions
  • picnics
  • holiday gifts

How to StoreHomemade Pimento Cheese

Store jalapeno pimento cheese in a glass or plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid.

It will keep in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks.

Do not freeze!

Kitchen Supplies for this Dish👇

Rubber Spatula

Large Mixing Bowls

Box Grater

Good Sharp Knife

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Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe

Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe (12)Elise

Spicy Pimento Cheese w/ jalapenos, chili powder, onions, etc. Goodness with a kick!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer, lunch, Snack

Cuisine Southern

Servings 10

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

  • 24 oz sharp cheddar cheese grated
  • 8 oz monteray jack cheese or pepper jack cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped red, yellow, white or combo
  • 2 large fresh jalapenos, finely chopped more or less to taste
  • 6 oz pimentos, drained or .5 cup of jarred roasted red peppers, diced up or more to taste
  • 1 cup real mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp mexican seasoning more or less to taste
  • 1/4 cup snipped cilantro (optional) fresh if possible

Instructions

  • Grate both cheeses.

  • Chop jalapenos and onions.

  • Mix Mayo, garlic paste, seasonings, pimentos together.

  • Add everything together and mix but be careful not to over mix. You want to recognize the shreds of cheese. Sprinkle chili powder on top.

  • Place in fridge until chilled and flavors have melded together.

  • Serve with crackers or celery. Enjoy!!!

Notes

Use any kind of Mexican Spice Blend or make up a big batch of this easy homemade Mexican Spice Blend.

Use a combination of jarred pimentos and jarred roasted red peppers.

If you need to use pre-packaged shredded cheese, use the kind that has large grated cheese…it will have more flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 0gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 0gProtein: 0gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

Keyword jalapenos, pimento cheese

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Best Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is pimento cheese called in the South? ›

Most Southerners have fond memories of a loving aunt mixing up a batch for a church gathering, while Northerners haven't the foggiest idea what pimento cheese even is. Affectionately referred to as “Carolina caviar” or “Southern pate,” it has been a Southern staple for well over 50 years.

What is the difference between palmetto cheese and pimento cheese? ›

Palmetto Cheese is a trademark for a brand of pimento cheese from Pawleys Island Specialty Foods, a division of Get Carried Away, based in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It is manufactured and packaged at Duke Sandwich Productions located in Easley, South Carolina.

Why do Southerners love pimento cheese? ›

It may have become popular in the South because it didn't spoil easily at room temperature, making it easy to pack in lunchboxes, particularly for textile workers. But it was also fashionable as a sandwich in tea rooms.

How long does homemade pimento cheese stay fresh? ›

Place the cheese in a clean container and seal it so that it is airtight. Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

What state is pimento cheese famous? ›

of Augusta, Georgia, was advertising, “Pimiento Cheese, you know how fine it is. This is good. 2 for 25¢.” The South can't claim pimento cheese as its own invention, but the state of Georgia was actually the center of the nation's pimento growing and canning industry.

What state invented pimento cheese? ›

While it's hard to imagine anyone appreciating the heavenly combination of shredded cheese, mayo, and diced red pimentos as much as Southerners, the delicious spread actually got its start up North—in New York, specifically.

Why did Costco stop selling palmetto pimento cheese? ›

Costco pulls Palmetto Cheese after founder calls BLM a 'terrorist organization' Palmetto Cheese, a regional pimento cheese brand based in South Carolina, is getting grilled by shoppers and social media alike after publicly comparing the Black Lives Matter movement to a “terrorist organization.”

What brand of pimento cheese is from South Carolina? ›

Pawleys Island Specialty Foods is a wholesale food company based in Pawleys Island, SC. We are the creators and marketers of the #1 brand of pimento cheese in America called Palmetto Cheese. Founded in 2006, Pawleys Island Specialty Foods continues to develop and market new products for retail customers.

How long will pimento cheese last in the fridge? ›

Whereas pre-packaged pimento cheese can last up to four weeks in the fridge, the homemade version will not last quite as long due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives — it will only last for about one week.

Where is the pimento cheese capital of the world? ›

While pimento cheese is a staple in many Southern homes, Charlotte has been considered the Pimento Cheese Capital of the World, according to Mental Floss.

What is the nickname for pimento cheese? ›

Pimento cheese is most closely associated with Southern cuisine and has been referred to as the "pâté of the South", "Carolina caviar" and "the caviar of the South." Pimento cheese sandwiches have a long history at the Masters Tournament.

What is the best way to eat pimento cheese? ›

Eat it alone with a sleeve of buttery crackers or spicy gingersnaps (topped with a red pepper jam). Down South, you'll commonly find pimiento cheese spread between white sandwich bread and cut into tea-sized finger sandwiches.

What is the best cracker for pimento cheese? ›

This world-famous spread might be known as the "pâté of the South", but at heart, pimiento cheese is a humble delicacy made of simple ingredients: mayonnaise, grated cheese, and jarred pimientos. It is best savored on regular old, trusty Saltines.

Is it OK to freeze pimento cheese? ›

While you can put pimento cheese in the freezer for up to three months, it can affect the texture. We suggest putting it to good use in a recipe after freezing! Is pimento cheese served hot or cold? Pimento cheese is perfect for parties, no matter how you like to share it!

What do you eat with pimento cheese? ›

A: Pimento cheese can be served as a dip with crackers or vegetables, as a spread on sandwiches or toast, or as a filling in stuffed peppers, grilled cheese, or mac and cheese.

Is pimento cheese a South Carolina thing? ›

Believe it or not, this dish originated in the North and was made with pimentos and cream cheese. However, in typical Southern fashion, South Carolina decided to make the dish their own by tweaking the recipe and using only the best locally sourced ingredients.

What is hoop cheese in the South? ›

Hoop cheese is the name of a mild, semisoft cow's milk cheese originating in the American South. Other names include red ring cheese or baker's cheese. Today, the name may be used to refer to this traditional cheese or to modern versions that more closely resemble cheddar cheese.

Is pimento a southern thing? ›

Everyone knows pimento cheese is a Southern dish. It has been described as Southern paté, or Carolina caviar but mostly it's described as yummy-licious. So don't let it hurt your feelings when you find out its true origins lie in New York, Philadelphia and the Midwest.

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